CIGNA Study Confirms Savings in Consumer Driven Health Plans

According to a recent study by CIGNA, individuals enrolled in consumer-driven health plans (CDHP) can lower their costs. Their study advises that members compared to those customers in traditional PPO and HMO plans, those in a CDHP:

Lowered their health risks: CDHP customers lowered their risk of developing or worsening a chronic condition. According to the study, when employers fully transitioned to offering only a CDHP option, individuals improved their health risk profile by 10 percent in the first year compared to customers in a traditional plan option.

Reduced total medical costs: CDHP medical cost trend was 16 percent lower than traditional plans during the first year. Over five years, cumulative cost savings averaged $9,700 per employee enrolled in a CDHP compared to employees who remained in a traditional health plan. Cost reductions were achieved without employers shifting out-of-pocket health expenses to their employees.

Received higher levels of care: CDHP customers had consistent or higher use of over 400 evidenced-based medical best practices (than their counterparts in traditional plans. CDHP customers also sought preventive care, such as annual office visits and mammograms, more frequently than customers enrolled in a traditional plan.

Were more engaged in health improvement: Throughproper plan design plan and the use of incentives, CDHP customers were more likely to have completed a health risk assessment and participated in their health coaching program than those enrolled in a traditional plan.

Were more savvy consumers of health care: CDHP customers enrolled in their pharmacy management program were more likely to choose generic medications and had 14 percent lower pharmacy costs compared to those in a traditional plan. In addition, CDHP customers used the emergency room at a 13 percent lower rate than individuals enrolled in HMO and PPO plans.

More likely to compare cost and quality: CDHP customers were twice as likely to use myCigna.com online cost and quality information to help them select a doctor or to review potential medical costs than customers enrolled in traditional plans.